Trump 2: Ukraine, ups and downs with Putin, ministers in revolt against Musk

Each day of Trump 2 is a zibaldron of news, announcements, measures, and controversies: Ukraine, Iran, Musk’s role, jobs, and more. The Washington Post keeps a diary of Trump 2 and starts today with the president mogul’s contradictory statements on Ukraine. First, he threatens “large-scale” sanctions-as if they weren’t already there-against Russia after last night’s massive attacks on Ukrainian installations and urges the two sides to negotiate a cease-fire “before it’s too late” (suggesting a change of rhetoric on the conflict, after weeks of a more pro-Russian than pro-Ukrainian narrative). Then he changes the tune and shows “understanding” about the attack: the Russian president “is doing what anyone would do” and wants “the war to end.” Confirmed U.S.-Ukraine talks next week in Saudi Arabia.

Last night’s massive attacks were the first of such magnitude since Trump suspended sending Ukraine weapons and intelligence information. Yesterday, it was also learned that Maxar, a large orbital imaging provider, temporarily suspended sending Kiev its photos. According to a New York Times report, Ukrainian soldiers on the ground are already feeling the effects of the shortage of weapons and the lack of intelligence and satellite imagery.

On another international policy front, Trump is proposing to Tehran to negotiate a deal: the goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon after withdrawing in 2018 the United States withdrew from the agreement to that effect pre-existing his election. In a letter sent to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which the Iranian press denies having received, Trump prospects seeking a new understanding. Iran’s nuclear program, which has not yet reached the military stage, is a significant security concern for Israel.

Trump 2: the woes of Musk and those who deal with him
Another chapter in the WP journal concerns Elon Musk and his attempts to transform and downsize the federal bureaucracy. The paper has “details” of a “major confrontation” between Musk and some ministers, notably Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Trump promptly stepping in to restore order. The newspaper questions what impact the incident might have on Muskn’s “unconventional” role in the federal administration.

The New York Times speaks of “an explosive meeting”: the “latent anger” of many ministers toward Musk would finally erupt in the White House Cabinet Room, even as opponents and critics of Trump and Musk tend to “sew up their mouths” and keep quiet, fearing retaliation and reprisals.

For Musk, the last 48 hours have been difficult: quarreling with ‘colleagues’ aside, a federal judge has ordered him not to destroy documents that could possibly be subject to requests under the Freedom of Information Act. And a rocket from his Space X exploded on launch, causing a shower of debris and disruption to air traffic from Florida to Pennsylvania.

Trump 2: Columbia University ‘punished’ for pro-Palestinian protests
Stirring uproar is the decision to cancel $400 million in funding to Columbia University in New York, one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, because it would not protect its Jewish students from anti-Semitic demonstrations. The reference is to the pro-Palestinian protests held on the University’s campus after the Israeli response in the Gaza Strip – over 48,000 casualties – to Hamas terrorist attacks on Israeli territory on Oct. 7, 2023 – about 1,200 casualties.

Federal law stipulates that universities that discriminate against students based on their ethnic background cannot receive federal funds. Education Secretary Linda McMahon decided on the cut as Trump prepares to dismantle his department and allocate billions in taxes to private schools.

Trump 2: Jobs, 151,000 created in February, but unemployment up and outlook negative
In February, 151,000 jobs were created in the United States- a good figure, though slightly lower than expected. The unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent. For analysts, the employment outlook is, however, uncertain due to a sum of factors: the effect of tariffs, if they are indeed implemented; ongoing layoffs of federal employees; and the deportation of millions of illegal immigrants.